Family support worker

You could do a:

• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
• Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could complete a children, young people and families practitioner higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• higher and degree apprenticeships

Experience is essential when applying for training or jobs. You can get this through paid or voluntary work in:

• children's homes
• nurseries
• family refuge centres
• probation services
• family community centres
• mental health services
• youth projects

Employers will expect you to have:

• experience in working with children, young people and their families
• a minimum of a level 3 qualification in childcare, social work, social care, counselling, youth work or education

Further information

You can find out more about careers in support work from Think Care Careers.

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• excellent verbal communication skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

For many roles you may be expected to have a full, clean driving licence.

In this role you could:

• work with people who have drug or alcohol addiction
• support a parent who is in hospital or prison
• support clients who have marital or financial difficulties
• support a child or parent with a disability
• attend court sessions that deal with care orders for children
• work with social workers to assess a family's needs when a child returns home after being in care
• support people with language barriers who are struggling to access services
• help clients to develop parenting and home management skills

You could work in an office, at a client's home or in a court.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.